Naakte vrouw met armen in haar zij 1872 - 1934

Armand Rassenfosse made this print of a nude woman, her arms akimbo, sometime around the turn of the 20th century. The pose here is an old one. Think of any number of images of Eve in the Garden, her hands often placed on her hips in a similar way. This gesture has become associated with defiance. One can see it echoed in any number of paintings and sculptures of powerful women, from goddesses to revolutionaries. In antiquity, this pose signified female strength and resilience, and in modern contexts, we see its continued use as a symbol of empowerment. There's a psychological tension here, between vulnerability and resistance. A sense of the gaze, and a defiance of it. She is asserting herself, challenging us, perhaps, to reconsider our expectations. It is not just the conscious message, but also this subconscious connection to centuries of defiance that engages us on a profound level. The pose continues to evolve. Over time, it is a constant negotiation between tradition and innovation, reflecting changing cultural values and attitudes towards female power.